How to Recover from a Work Error
OK, so you screwed up royally. Take a deep breath, and then follow these job-saving measures.
Up next in Office Survival Guide (57 videos)
Between crazy bosses and creepy coworkers, it's a wonder you get any work done at all. Here's a little help.
You Will Need
- Honesty
- An apology
- Solutions
Steps
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Step 1
Admit it
Tell your boss you messed up without delay. It will be worse if they hear it later from someone else.
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Step 2
Take it like an adult
Take full responsibility. Don't try to explain it, minimize it, or justify it. Just say you're sorry and move on to damage control.
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Don't be a tattle. The boss will admire you for your maturity, and you'll win points with colleagues for taking one for the team.
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Step 3
Offer solutions
Explain how you're going to correct the problem. If it's something that's not easily remedied, offer several options.
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Let your boss know you'll make the necessary fixes on your own time so there's no further loss of productivity.
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Step 4
Learn from your mistake
Tell your boss what you've learned from your mistake, and assure them it won't happen again.
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Step 5
Move on
Move forward. Trust us: No one is thinking about your blunder nearly as much as you are!
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Did you know? Twenty-eight percent of U.S. workers polled said lack of sleep causes them to make mistakes at work.
